Bubba Chandler, Former Clemson QB Commit, Set for MLB Debut

The Pittsburgh Pirates are making headlines with the promotion of their top pitching prospect, **Bubba Chandler**, to the big leagues. Known for his athletic versatility and remarkable trajectory from a two-sport high school standout to one of baseball’s most promising arms, Chandler’s journey is as compelling as it is inspiring.

Let’s dig into his background—his choice between baseball and football, the hurdles he faced in the minors, and what fans might see as he finally steps onto an MLB mound.

Bubba Chandler: From Clemson Quarterback Recruit to Pittsburgh Pirates Ace-in-Waiting

Before he started climbing the minor league ladder, Chandler’s future looked set for the gridiron. In 2020, the Georgia native committed to play quarterback for Clemson under coach Dabo Swinney.

His football skills were obvious, but things changed when the Pittsburgh Pirates picked him in the third round of the 2021 MLB Draft. That decision opened a brand new door.

Two-Sport Stardom at North Oconee High School

At North Oconee High School, Chandler stood out both on the mound and as a quarterback. He was the classic dual-sport athlete, with coaches and recruiters from both sports hoping to land him.

In the end, his raw pitching talent and the promise of a pro baseball career pulled him away from college football.

Domination in the Minors and a Tough Decision

After signing with Pittsburgh, Chandler started a four-year grind through the minors that really tested him. His minor league stats are impressive:

• Record: 26-18
• ERA: 3.73
• Strikeouts: 457 in 372 innings

The Temptation to Return to Football

Things weren’t always easy. In 2023, Chandler hit a rough patch in the minors, and that’s when Clemson came calling again.

Coach Swinney let him know the quarterback spot was still open. With the rise of NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) deals, going back to football started to look pretty tempting.

For a while, it seemed like he might actually walk away from baseball. But Chandler stuck with it and fought through the slump.

Breakout at Triple-A Indianapolis

In 2024, Chandler’s performance at Triple-A Indianapolis really made people take notice. Over 100 innings, he put up a 4.05 ERA and racked up 121 strikeouts against 53 walks.

That midseason surge didn’t just turn heads inside the Pirates organization—it got him named MLB Pipeline’s top pitching prospect in baseball.

Skillset and Pitching Arsenal

Chandler throws a lively fastball that can touch the upper 90s, a sharp slider, and a developing changeup. His football background shows up in his athleticism—he fields his position well and brings a bold, aggressive presence to the mound.

MLB Debut: A New Chapter in Pittsburgh

Chandler is set to make his debut out of the bullpen when the Pirates host the Colorado Rockies. The team probably wants to ease him in, letting him face big-league hitters without piling on too much pressure right away.

What This Means for the Pirates

The Pirates see Chandler as a vital piece for their future. Pittsburgh wants to build a competitive roster around its young core.

Fans know Chandler’s promotion isn’t just another roster move. It marks the result of years of development, scouting, and a lot of perseverance.

His journey from Friday night lights to the glow of PNC Park tells a story of commitment and belief. Honestly, it’s hard not to root for a guy who’s put in that much work.

Now, as Chandler steps onto a Major League mound for the first time, everyone’s watching. Can this electric young arm help anchor the Pirates’ next era of success? We’ll see.

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Here is the source article for this story: Former Clemson football quarterback commit reportedly set to make MLB debut